Kennett man fatally shot by police in Caruthersville

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Following what police here report was a stolen vehicle incident at Jiffy Jims, one man is dead and two police officers are on leave.

According to a police report released by the Caruthersville Police Department, officers responded to a call about 1:30 a.m. Sunday from Franshon West. During the call, West said his 1997 Buick Rivera, bearing Texas tags, was stolen from the gas pumps at Jiffy Jims.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to stop.

Officers pursued the vehicle to the 900 block of Adams Street, where the driver skidded to a stop in front of apartment 932, according to police. The driver exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

According to police, officers on the scene attempted to use a Taser on the suspect, Antonio F. Stewart, 29, of Kennett, Mo. The Taser missed and then, according to the police report, Stewart pointed a weapon at the officers. The officers fired their weapons and, according to the police report, struck Stewart several times.

Pemiscot County Coroner Jim Brimhall, despite officers' attempts at first aid, pronounced Stewart dead at the scene, according to Caruthersville City Marshal chief Chris Riggs.

Officials at the Mineral Area Medical Center at Farmington, Mo., will conduct an autopsy, according to Caruthersville police, Riggs said.

The Caruthersville Police Department called in the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drugs and Crime Control to conduct an investigation. Also, the officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation by the Highway Patrol, according to Riggs.